Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario. The news was confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the club of which he was a known fan and with which he maintained a special bond throughout his life.
Through a statement released on Saturday, the Rosario institution expressed its deep sorrow for the death of the businessman and father of the captain of the Argentine national team.
“The Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and regret to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the club stated.
In the same message, Newell’s highlighted his status as a “recognized Leproso supporter” and valued the role he played in Lionel’s life, both personally and professionally.
Jorge Messi’s Role in Lionel’s Career
Jorge was one of the pivotal figures in shaping Lionel Messi’s career from his earliest years as a footballer. According to Newell’s farewell, he was “the backbone and the person who supported with vision, rigor and affection the career of the greatest player of all time”, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
His support was especially important during Lionel’s early years, when the boy began to stand out in Rosario’s football scene and later embarked with his father on the path that would lead him to Barcelona.
The club stressed that his presence was constant and that his behind-the-scenes leadership was essential in accompanying every step of his son, “from his beginnings in Malvinas to the ultimate glory of world football”.
Newell’s also chose to highlight a matter especially meaningful for the club: Jorge’s bond with the red-and-black colors.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colors,” the club wrote in its farewell.
Newell’s Message to the Messi Family
The Rosarian institution’s statement also included a message for Jorge’s closest relatives.
The Board of Directors, the members, athletes and the entire Leproso community expressed their support to Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, as well as extending a hug to all their loved ones and close associates.
“Farewell forever, Leproso,” concluded Newell’s.
Jorge Messi’s death comes after, during the 2026 World Cup, the Messi family publicly announced that they were facing a health issue and were under medical follow-up. At that time, their relatives had asked for privacy and indicated that his condition was improving within the presented situation.
To date, the cause of death has not been officially disclosed. Therefore, any version on this matter should be treated with caution.
